Tanzania lost the CECAFA U20 final to Sudan on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Both teams had already secured qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
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Tanzania lost the CECAFA U20 title on Thursday, September 24, in Dar es Salaam after Sudan won the final on penalties. The match at Uhuru Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time, before Sudan prevailed 4-3 in the shootout.
Both teams had already secured the two CECAFA region qualification spots for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ghana. The final was therefore primarily a contest for the regional title.
Sudan take the lead in extra time
After a goalless first half, neither side was able to break the deadlock during the 90 minutes.
Sudan eventually took the lead in the 93rd minute through Omer Hamdi, who headed the ball home inside the penalty area.
Tanzania responded and equalised in the 112th minute through Abdulnasir Abdallah. The substitute finished an attack initiated by Farid Mzalendo.
Neither side found a winning goal before the end of extra time, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Sudan prevail on penalties
Tanzania made a strong start to the shootout, converting its first two attempts.
However, missed penalties by Bashiri Kibaila and Faraji Kayanda put the hosts under pressure. Sudan took advantage to win 4-3 and claim its first CECAFA U20 title.
Sudan had reached the final after eliminating Uganda 3-2 in the semi-final. Tanzania, meanwhile, defeated Burundi 2-0 to book its place in the final.
Tanzania qualify for the 2027 U20 AFCON
Despite the defeat in the final, Tanzania secured a place at the next U20 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Burundi in the semi-final.
The Ngorongoro Heroes had previously defeated Rwanda 3-0 and Ethiopia 4-0 in the group stage before overcoming Burundi. Tanzania had also reached the final without conceding a goal before the match against Sudan.
Uganda finished third after beating Burundi 2-0 in the third-place match.
Sudan and Tanzania will represent the CECAFA region at the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
SOURCES
- CAF Online
- CECAFA Football
- Tanzania Football Federation